Page 64 of One More Shot
‘I haven’t even asked you yet,’ I say, blinking in disbelief at the now-empty screen.
Dane’s face pops back into view. He shrugs and lets out another tired yawn. ‘You didn’t have to.’
‘I really do owe you one.’
Dane puts his van in park and then shoots me a decidedly unimpressed sideways glance. ‘How many times are you gonna say that?’
My lips curve into a sheepish grin. In the two and a half hours it took us to arrive at the venue, I’ve probably uttered some form of thanks to him at least twenty times. ‘Got it,’ I laugh. ‘No more thanking you.’
‘Exactly,’ Dane says, matching my grin with a wide one of his own. ‘I’m here for you, baby. It’s not even a question.’
But itshouldbe. Shouldn’t it?
I’ve never had anyone in my life be so willing to go above and beyond for me. I’m used to being that person for everyone, and it feels weird being on the other side of things.
‘You look gorgeous, by the way.’
I’ve never been one to shy away from a compliment, but there’s something about the way he’s staring at me, the way his gaze appreciatively roves over my body, that sends a current of heat pulsing through my veins.
There’s nothing particularly special about my dress. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had to learn how to blend inwith the crowd yet still dress appropriately for the wedding without veering too much into the territory of looking like a guest. Today is a formal affair, a few notches down from full-blown black tie, and I’m wearing a simple wrap dress.
I follow Dane’s line of sight, watching the way he slowly maps out every one of my curves. He lingers around my waist and the urge to lean across the space between us, crawl into his lap, and let him do every single dirty thought that’s currently flitting through my mind is overwhelming to say the least.
I clear my throat and his gaze reluctantly flickers up to meet mine. ‘Thanks.’
He makes a noncommittal noise of approval and then nods to something just outside my line of sight through the window. ‘Looks like you’re up.’
I glance over my shoulder and spot a taxi pulling into the currently deserted car park. This venue doubles up as a boutique hotel, and the bride is going to get dressed here before her guests arrive. I watch as my bride for the day climbs out of her taxi dressed in a white loungewear combo with the word BRIDE splashed across the front. Several women I assume are her bridesmaids spill out after her, all looking ridiculously excited and giddy.
I feel my own surge of excitement as I watch them wander up to the hotel entrance. It’s always good when the client and the wedding party are in high spirits, their mood almost infectious.
‘And you’re sure you’re fine to wait here?’ I ask for probably the umpteenth time.
‘It’s too late to change my mind now,’ Dane drawls before reaching forward and running a thumb along my jawline. I lean into the touch without thinking about it. ‘But,yes. I’m more than sure. Like I said—’
‘You’re here for me?’
His smile turns soft. ‘Exactly. Always.’
Always.
For the first time since I slid into his van this morning, there’s no doubt in my mind that he really means what he’s saying right now.
Dane willalwaysput me first.
My heart clenches and a wave of emotions threatens to drown me. I tear my gaze away from him before I do something stupid like burst into tears.
‘Cool,’ I choke out, my voice noticeably thick. In my periphery I see him frown. ‘I’ll come back during my break; maybe try to steal an extra plate for you to eat if I can. If you get bored, or change your mind—’
‘I’m not going to change my mind, baby.’
‘Right.’ I risk one last glance up at him and offer him a watery smile. ‘I’ll see you in a bit.’
He nods, a small frown pinching his brows together. ‘See you.’
The wedding serves as the perfect distraction to the maelstrom of thoughts swirling in my mind. For the next four hours, I let myself forget all about Dane and the way he’s currently making me feel.
I usually look forward to the reception dinner when I get a break for an hour or so and can camp out in my car and decompress for a little.
